They want an ideal life. She’s the only thing standing in their way.
The Ashleys are determined to build a future detached from the issues in their pasts, and it seems to be working. They’re happily married. In love. Established in their dream careers. Closer than ever to being debt-free.
But when a mysterious opportunity arrives with an offer they can’t refuse, everything changes.
Soon, they meet her. She’s rich. Powerful. Single-minded in her goals. She is not used to being told no.
Worst of all, she knows about the dirty deeds they’ve done in the dark…
If they don’t do exactly what she wants, the ramifications of their secrets being exposed are endless. In a battle of wits against a woman who knows too much, the Ashleys find themselves with an impossible choice to make.
Whom do you trust when the only person who can save you is the one who might bring you down?
KIERSTEN MODGLIN is a #1 bestselling author of psychological thrillers. Her books have sold over two million copies and been translated into multiple languages. Kiersten is a member of International Thriller Writers, Novelists, Inc., and the Alliance of Independent Authors. She is a KDP Select All-Star and a recipient of ThrillerFix's Best Psychological Thriller Award, Suspense Magazine's Best Book of 2021 Award, a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Suspense, and a 2022 Silver Falchion for Best Overall Book of 2021. Kiersten grew up in rural western Kentucky and later relocated to Nashville, Tennessee, where she now lives with her family. Kiersten's readers across the world lovingly refer to her as "KMod." A binge-watching expert, psychology fanatic, and indoor enthusiast, Kiersten enjoys rainy days spent with her favorite people and evenings with her nose in a book.
Modglin finally wrote a psychological thriller I liked! It had an original plot that didn’t veer of in an unrealistic direction. It was different to read from the view of a male prostitute, and the way he and his wife interacted seemed real. The twist was to my liking, and I was fully invested in the outcome. Well done, modglin!
I love the way Kiersten Modglin’s books pull me in and when I blink hours have gone by and the book is devoured. This book is no exception to that. A twisty, dark and fun domestic thriller. I love the way she builds realistic characters whether you like them or hate them they feel so real. Willa and her husband Hudson think they have an unconventional but perfectly transparent marriage except they don’t because they both have secrets. When someone shows up who appears to know all of their secrets they have to figure out what they will or will not be willing to do in order to keep them. This is a fast paced, twisted thriller and I highly recommend this very wild ride. 4.5 twisted stars!
4⭐ Genre ~ domestic thriller Setting ~ not sure Publication date ~ book ~ April 30, 2023, audio ~ July 18, 2023 Est Page Count ~ 260 (33 chapters) Audio length ~ 5 hours 39 minutes Narrators ~ Andrew Eiden, Kim Churchill POV ~ dual 1st, present tense Featuring ~ known infidelity, blackmail, secrets
Hudson & Willa have an unconventional marriage. He's a gynecologist and also trying to get them out of debt by being a sex worker at night. All's going well on that front until June comes into the picture.
I'm happy to say I liked this one since I'm usually hit or miss with this author. The blackmail was a good one. The twist was nice. It can't be a domestic thriller without some old secrets to keep us in suspense. Overall, enjoyed it.
*Another Hoopla bonus borrow*
Narration notes: No complaints. Thrilled there were 2.
4.5 stars. This was a fantastic thriller. Hudson and Willa were just riveting, complex characters that kept me glued to my Kindle from their initial introduction through the finale with the antagonist, June. This kept the story pretty straightforward and sensible, not overcomplicating the plot with too many plot points and twists and turns. It was easy to follow, very enjoyable, and the time just flew by. And, even as Hudson has a side hustle as a male escort, I really appreciated how his character wasn't degraded to just being a sex worker. There was also surprisingly very minimal sensuality. My only minor critique was that I didn't love the conversation between the aforementioned characters towards the end. June just seemed to divulge everything a bit too easily and, even after all her efforts to work against Hudson and Willa, she just seemed to give up. It needed a bit more padding and emotional detail before it all came to a head. But otherwise, this was a really great book and all fans of thrillers will get a kick out of it.
I was able to listen to this story in a day as I was totally immersed in the story.
Wow, the pickle people can get themselves into, and our young couple were no exception. The Ashleys are a hard working couple, as he is a early stage doctor and she works at an adoption agency. What makes them "slightly" different, is how they make extra money to pay their bills. They are definitely a goal oriented couple, even though their extracurricular jobs are not conventional.
Hudson has been called to work his extra job and gets pulled into a story where he "stumbles upon a woman who he was suppose to "meet" being raped. He intervenes as any gentlemen would do, and he is set up for a future shock.
Later, bearing pictures of the tussle and a knife, Hunter's date threatens to expose him and his beloved wife, Willa, unless she, a very wealthy woman gets what he wants. The couple does have secrets, ones they thought were buried, but this woman seems to know them all.
Once I got started on this one, I just couldn't stop listening. It was fast paced, had great characters, and so many twists that sucked me right in.
Thank you to Kiersten Modglin, Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for the ability to listen to this fascinating story. The moderators, Andrew Eiden and Kim Churchill did a fine job with this one.
If you're a fan of thrillers with blackmail and twists, you'll enjoy this! The last quarter of the novel had me on the edge of my seat!
Highly recommend!
***Thank you to NetGalley, Kiersten Modglin, and Dreamscape Media for graciously sending me the audiobook to review. As always, all thoughts are my own.***
KMod is back with yet another winner for me! I made the mistake of starting this late one night after my family went to sleep because I was just going to read a couple chapters to get a feel for the story. I know better than that honestly, the authors books are meant to be devoured in one breathless sitting and needless to stay I was up way past my bedtime finishing this. But it was worth it for sure, this was another unique and super twisty read that I clearly couldn’t put down. The description of this one is perfect, it alludes to what’s to come but it doesn’t give anything away and the best part of this was my shock as things unraveled in a deliciously wicked manner. It kept me guessing and was just so much fun as well. The author really never misses for me.
Another fantastic and twisty K-mod story! I love how all the twists are intertwined and all come together at the end. This was definitely a page turner that I finished within just a few hours! Loved it!
Thank you to the author for this ARC in exchange for an honest opinion.
I really loved this book! Great storyline with lots of twists and situations happening throughout, so you won’t get bored. This story may be a bit far-fetched, but then I think about how it’s just so crazy that it could probably actually happen!
He’s an up and coming doctor. She is a case manager at an adoption agency. They are happily in love and building a life together. Soon what starts as an exciting opportunity, turns to a horrific nightmare.
This was selected as our book club read and while my friends didn’t enjoy it as much as I did (mainly due to some of the twists), I found it to be an incredibly unique storyline with excellent character development. This is a bit different than KMod’s other books in that it’s not quite as murderous; however, as always, this book is insanely bingeable and I could not put it down. If you need a good popcorn thriller, pick this one up.
Read if you like: •fast, bingeable reads •mild thrillers •unique plot lines •domestic suspense
3.5 stars - just some of plot holes and unanswered questions I was left with, that I couldn't get over.
- Wouldn't the party house have smoke detectors? - Wouldn't the neighbours have noticed a fire? - Why would Willa blame herself when really, it was Murphy's fault? - How did June know that Willa was trying to record her in the parking garage? - Why would June be keeping her dirtbag cheating husband around? - Going after Willa and Hudson instead of Murphy just doesn't make sense. - How did June and David fake his death?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
The Ashley’s marriage is something to make others envious. Their love for each other is the type one can ever dream about. They share their secrets with each other, and don’t hide anything from each other…or so they both think 🤔
Loaded with suspense, debauchery, blackmail and hidden past secrets. I flew through this book in one sitting as it sizzled with scandalous delight. Make sure this one is on your list!
Releasing May 30, 2023 Many thanks to #kierstenmodglin for having me on her ARC review team and my gifted copy. Opinions are my own.
Not much more I can say about Kiersten Modglin, other than read her books!
She is definitely the Queen of twists! This is another faced paced, page turner, full of twists thriller. I got through it in one sitting. I think this is best to go in blind, not know too much about it and be prepared to be blown away with a very clever storyline.
Many thanks to @netgalley @dreamscapemedia for a ALC 🥰
Another good psychological thriller by Kiersten Modglin! I devoured this one in one sitting (as I do most of her books). This one had me hooked and has some interesting twists along the way. This one I’d rank lower compared to others…maybe 3.5? But rounding up because it was a fun read and I would recommend it to those who enjoy this genre!
Oh are you in for a treat, KMod has done it again and you’ll be completely hooked to this story. Available April 30, 2023, preorder now!
They had only one rule: no new clients. When Willa and her husband, Hudson, break their one and only rule the consequences might just tear them apart.
This is a fast-paced thriller that will have you on the edge-of-your-seat wondering what is going to happen next. As a fan, I always say this but, this book is in the top three of best books by Modglin. It starts off with a BANG and then has you dying from laughter then takes you right back into suspense mode again. It’s the perfect balance.
I read this in one sitting and couldn’t put it down. Superbly written, duel narrations (Willa and Hudson) give us a broader story from both points of view. When the two views intersect it is comical to read. This book is a cautionary tale of what secrets can do to a family once they’re out in the open and a testament to the resilience of two people in love who would do anything to protect the other.
If you’re in a reading slump I would recommend you pick up any of Modglin’s books, they’re shorter reads and still deliver the punch. I also recommend to anyone who loves a good thriller with a few psychotic characters.
#ad I received an advanced reader’s copy of this book from Kiersten Modglin and leave this review of my own accord. Thanks so much for trusting me with this copy, I bow down!
update. I had to finish the book. I hardly ever dnf'd anything and I couldn't this time either. It ended up being a decent book. Quite unbelievable really but a good book. I mean it made me go back and finish it. There were several twists and I thought I knew what they would be but I didn't. I don't want to spoil anything but the ending was so surreal. Not what I expected. At least the husband stopped his side job. And the villain? That was the biggest shock of all at the end. I was speechless. Just an odd tale and I am glad I finished it. It was very short so that helped, but I really did like the writing style... Even if the content bugged me.
At 18%:
I usually can handle mystery books with characters cheating, drug use, etc. They are not a romance so its okay but I couldn't continue this. He's a gynecologist that highlights as a gigolo at night and gets paid for sex with other women. He truly loves his wife and she loves him but then they get caught and.... I couldn't go on. I may read at a later date because it sounded intriguing but just not for me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Don’t play games with people who can play them better!!! Another 5 star book by the Queen of twist! I couldn’t stop reading, having to know what happened… most definitely one you want to sit down and read in one sitting! Amazing read!
3.5 Stars I really enjoyed the narrative voice in this story which started out feeling sharp and dangerous. I love a story about a couple with a complicated relationship.
Unfortunately the plot setup required a level suspension of disbelief that I wasn't willing to make. The issue just seemed a little bizarre and felt over the top. This one had a lot of potential so other readers might enjoy it more if they are ready to make that leap.
Disclaimer I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
This is another quick paced, fast, easy read by Modglin. The twists and turns in this book are like none other. While some things may seem like they are easy to figure out, they aren’t. The motive behind everything that is going on is one that you’ll NEVER guess. This is just another example of how KMod has outwitted me, the reader! I have read all her books and I still have not been able to figure out all the twists and turns in any single book. You’d think by now I would know how she thinks. NOPE! KMod has tricked me once again! In true KMod style, this is a dialogue rich book, which I appreciate because I love experiencing a book with characters and not through being told. All the characters have a distinct voice, and you will either love or hate them. This book is perfect for anyone that likes domestic suspense thrillers.
I really enjoyed listening to this thriller while I was doing a jigsaw puzzle. The narrators of the book were fantastic, and they did a great job.
The story is about a couple called Hudson and Willa who are successful people, but they need some extra money, so Hudson still does his job as an escort, alongside being a doctor. While escorting a client, Hudson gets into bother and his client starts blackmailing him so that she can get them to give her a baby. I found this concept really interesting, and I enjoyed all the twists and turns that came from it. I liked how this story was different to a lot of other thrillers, and this made it more enjoyable.
I recommend this book highly, and I will be sure to check out more of this author's books.
Many thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for a copy of this book.
The worst part of a new KMod book is, of course, the wait for it to arrive, its excruciating 🤭 But it's all worth it in the end.
Wait For Dark was so dang good! I loved how it kept me on the edge of my seat right from the very beginning. And never knowing exactly which directions things are going to go. And the ending as always completely surprised me. There were several ways I considered involving the ending, but that one never crossed my mind.
I was really excited for this one, interesting plot and a twist I didn’t see coming. The thing is it just didn’t feel very realistic considering the premise, and I didn’t like the ending. I don’t understand why it ended the way it did. I still enjoyed the book and some of the twists were good, albeit I had predicted one of the twists, but it just.. it didn’t really do it for me compared to The Liars Wife for example.
Kiersten’s books are either a hit or a complete miss for me. This was definitely a miss for me. Honestly, I’m a little disappointed I paid $7 for it. It just wasn’t the greatest in my opinion. I didn’t like the storyline and the twists and turns weren’t as great in this one as they usually are with her other stories. Honestly, the way Willa was friends with Murphy after certain things, I didn’t get. Then add the whole story with June…no way & the ending was just disappointing.
Looking at the reviews for this book, I feel like i'm the only one who didn't enjoy it 🙄 there was no depth to the story...the characters were boring and too loved up. Not for me unfortunately. And I'm a big fan of KMod so I'm disappointed 😔
ARC audiobook provided in exchange for an honest review.
Wow! I really loved the dual narration on this book! Since it’s told almost exclusively from the husband and wife’s point of views, it works out perfectly! Both of their voices were precise and easy to listen to, I finished in a few hours! The story is about a married couple that have what appears to be the perfect relationship, but they both have secrets they’re hiding and everything will be revealed. If you like psychological thrillers with unreliable narrators I would definitely recommend this book!
K Mod books just keep getting twistier! This one took a second to draw me in only because it's so outrageous. I was never uninterested but several times I was like "did I read that right?? seriously?" but these juicy books aren't meant to be believable and what I love about this author is her ability to stick us right in the middle of a bizarre scenario and keep us invested in the outcome. As always, it was a treat.
June is a wealthy 60 something woman who desperately wants to adopt a baby. She is continually denied due to her age so she decides to blackmail a couple, Willa and Hudson, to get her lifelong dream. She will literally do whatever it takes.
I don’t know where to start with this one. The author literally cranks out a book every other month. She is a machine. Some are great others fall very flat, in my opinion. This one just didn’t work for me. It was like an episode of “As the World Turns” Very soap opera-esque. I wouldn’t call it a thriller at all. The characters were completely boring and underdeveloped and it was just so far out in left field. For me to suspend all realism to make this weird story work just wasn’t happening. Nope. No. Too many pot holes.